First, he had made it to Washington, D.C., to tape a Friday segment in a studio with Appleton native Greta Van Susteren for her political show on MSNBC. He then stopped by the White House, posting photos on Twitter and Facebook of him with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Trump Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. Pence's office posted a photo of Walker with former Speaker Newt Gingrich as well.

On Saturday, Walker flew to Indian Wells, Calif., not far from Palm Springs, to attend the political retreat hosted by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers, according to NBC News. Then it was back to Washington for the black-tie dinner hosted by the Alfalfa Club, whose members include billionaires and members of Congress, at the Capital Hilton Hotel, Politico reported.

Tom Evenson, spokesman for Walker, said the governor had a bad cold all last week. He called it a night early on Wednesday after a full day at the Capitol. Earlier, Evenson said, the governor suffered through talks at the Credit Union League and the 23rd annual Chippewa Valley Rally, coughing throughout.

"When it was clear that his cough was not getting better, he decided to take a day to recover with sleep, medicine, and chicken noodle soup," Evenson said via email Monday. "He was good to go Friday morning and is back later today."

Back from a bi-coastal trek that helps Walker, less than two years away from a re-election bid, to maintain his national presence and stay in contact with big donors.